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MLB Picks

High-Value MLB Selections for Thursday's Exciting Slate

Two of the hottest pitchers in the majors will be in action on Thursday, including Sonny Gray's highly-anticipated debut with the Yankees. Both games have tremendous betting value so read on as our handicapper shares his MLB picks of the day.

Sonny Gray will make his Yankees debut after being traded to the Bronx Bombers for prospects Dustin Fowler, Jorge Mateo and James Kaprielian. Gray will start on eight days' rest and he's been extremely dominant over his last six outings, going 4-2 with a 1.37 ERA and an 0.81 WHIP in 39 1/3 innings.

The Indians turn to Danny Salazar, who dominated the White Sox on Friday, allowing just two earned runs on three hits and two walks to go along with eight strikeouts over six innings of a 9-3 win.

Salazar has posted a 1-0 record with a 1.38 ERA and an 8.00 strikeout-to-walk ratio (K/BB) in 13 innings over his last two starts but he's struggled at home, with a poor 1-3 record and a 3.82 ERA in six appearances (five starts). I'm taking the Yankees +122 behind Gray with my MLB picks because of his recent form, because he's rested and because of the motivation he will have making his Yankees debut.

The Dodgers are the hottest team in baseball right now and their dominance in the National League has been unbelievable. The Braves on the other hand are heading in exactly the opposite direction.

Alex Wood will take the hill for the Dodgers, looking to avenge his only loss of the season, when he gave up nine runs (seven earned) on nine hits (two home runs) with no walks and five strikeouts in just 4 2/3 innings against the Braves on July 21. Wood is 4-0 with a 1.56 ERA in seven road starts and he will be fired up about getting revenge against his former team, so I'll take a chance on the Dodgers here.

Besides, the Braves will give the ball to Sean Newcomb, who has lost his last three decisions and is winless since June 27. Newcomb pitched well in his last start though, allowing just one earned run on two hits with three walks and four strikeouts over five innings of a 4-3 loss against the Phillies last Saturday, but he's just 0-4 with a poor 5.33 ERA in five home starts and the Dodgers will be too much for him. I will add Wood and the Dodgers -1.5 at -133 MLB odds.